Political parties are not homogenous groups.

Within them there are factions and those who hanker after more power than they currently have.

In many ways the politics only really begins once the elections are over and often it takes place behind closed doors.

Glasgow’s SNP group is no different to any other in that respect.

Midway through the five year term, Council leader, Susan Aitken’s challenge at present is less from the Labour and Tory councillors opposite and more from within the ranks behind her.

Within every ruling group there is competition for positions that bring prestige and status and others that bring financial remuneration.

And there are people who want those posts.

The SNP took over control at Glasgow City Council in 2017 ousting Labour but not quite winning enough councillors to achieve a majority.

Since then the number has gone down further from the 39 first elected now after the latest resignations to 36.

It lost two last year when Russell Robertson resigned and Glenn Elder also left and gained one with Anne McTaggart jumping ship from Labour.

Both cited concerns about the council leadership and both had other matters to deal with.

Mr Elder it was accusations of improper conduct, Mr Robertson it was a court case.

There have been other resignations/sackings within the group as politicians struggle for power.

Allan Gow, ex-city Treasurer and the most powerful post after the leader, was removed this year by Susan Aitken after he challenged her for the leadership.

She won the vote by 19 votes to 17. Business manager John Letford was also a casualty, sacked.

Both however despite voicing their concerns about the leadership stayed in the party.

Perhaps still harbouring ambitions further down the line.

None of those who have resigned present a direct threat to the leadership as they are relatively unknown, and it means two fewer votes available for anyone who does want to challenge next year, but it doesn’t mean they pose no risk.

Under the SNP the council has settled equal pay, ended a damaging janitors strike and has big plans for new transport in the city.

The danger for the leader is these achievements and ambitions are undermined by internal politics.

With the council elections in 2022 Susan Aitken has just under two years to get a ship on an even keel before sailing into the uncertain waters of public opinion.